Issue - meetings

4.1   To approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on Wednesday 24 July 2024 as a correct record.

4.2   To note the updated log of actions arising from previous meetings of the Committee.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the previous meeting held on Wednesday 24 July 2024 be approved as a correct record, subject to the following amendments:

·             Removal of reference within the list of those present at the meeting to David Ewart as a Councillor.

·            Correction of reference to “evaluations” under Min.8: External Audit Progress Report & Sector Update to read “reevaluations” on Page 10 of the minutes

Members noted the updates provided in relation to the Action Log of issues identified at previous meetings.  In response to an update requested in relation to the Dedicated Schools Grant – Deficit Management Plan (considered at the meeting on 24 July 2024) members were advised that no further details had currently been made available on the VAT arrangements within the SEND private school initiative.

4.1   To approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on Wednesday 12 June 2024 as a correct record.

(Agenda republished to include the attached minutes on 22 July 2024)

4.2   To note the updated log of actions arising from previous meetings of the Committee.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the previous meeting held on Thursday 28 March 2024 be approved as a correct record of the meeting, subject to the following amendments:

• Removal of reference within the list of those present at the meeting to David Ewart as a Councillor.

• A correction to page 3, bullet point 6, to the spelling of ‘compared’ within minute 7: Annual Counter Fraud Report 2023-24.

• A correction to page 4, bullet point 5, to add in the word ‘to’ before ‘Tenancy and Housing’ within minute 7: Annual Counter Fraud Report 2023-24.

• A correction to page 7, paragraph 2 of bullet point 3, to change ‘response’ to ‘respond’ within minute 8: Internal Audit Annual Report 2023-24.

Members also noted the updates provided in relation to the following items listed on the Action Log:

• In relation to the Draft Statement of Accounts 23-24 - the Chair advised the Committee that it was still possible for members to raise queries with officers regarding the accounts prior to their final consideration by the Committee.

• In relation to the Strategic Risk Report – the Committee sought clarification over whether the new government budget update would affect the timetable of the next update coming to Committee.  Officers responded that risk registers were being updated on a more regular basis at Darren Armstrong's request and the timeline should not be affected. The Chair highlighted the importance of risk registers continuing to be monitored at all levels across the organisation.

With no further issues raised, the Committee RESOLVED to note the Action Log.

4.1   To approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on Thursday 28 March 2024 as a correct record.

        (Agenda republished on 10 June 2024 to include the final minutes)

4.2   To note the updated log of actions arising from previous meetings of the Committee.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the previous meeting held on Thursday 28 March 2024 be approved as a correct record, subject to:

·         Correction of the spelling “organisation” in bullet point two under the comments section within Minute.8: Review of Member Development Programme & Member Expenses.

Members noted the updates provided in relation to the following items listed on the Action Log:

·         Performance & Governance i4B & FWH – Members were advised that as a result of the General Election consideration of the scrutiny & audit role in relation to i4B & FWH Housing Ltd had been delayed with the arrangements and need for a Joint Scrutiny meeting to be reviewed following completion of the scrutiny work programme planning sessions schedule in July 2024.  It was noted that a further update on progress would be provided at the July 2024 Committee meeting. (Minesh Patel)

·         External Audit Progress and Plan 23-24: Members noted the update provided by Sophia Brown (External Auditor - Grant Thornton) on the final response to the regional Bus Lane camera objection to the Statement of Accounts, which had now been issued with no further appeal received.  As a result, it was agreed that the issue be removed from the Committee Action Log.

·         Evaluating Effectiveness of ASAC – Members were advised that Grant Thornton had agreed to provide an additional briefing session on the role External Audit, which would be included within the Committee Development Programme for 2024-25 (Sophia Brown – Grant Thornton)